Traffic Tech : The Feasibility of Voluntary Ignition Interlocks As a Prevention Strategy for Young Drivers

016407142017PDFTech ReportDOT HS 812 427Alcohol ignition interlock devicesBlood alcohol levelsCountermeasuresFeasibility analysisHighway safetyImpaired driversPer se lawsYoung adultsUnited StatesUnited States. National Highway Traffic Safety AdministrationUnited States. National Highway Traffic Safety AdministrationNHTSA - Behavioral Safety ResearchMotor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for all 15- to 20-year-olds. In 2014, there were 1,717 young drivers (15 to 20 years old) who died in motor vehicle crashes. In 2014, even though it was illegal for drivers under age 21 to operate a vehicle with any detectable amount of alcohol in their system in every State in the United States, 26 percent of the young drivers who were killed in crashes had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .01 grams per deciliter (g/dL) or higher; 81 percent of those young drivers had a BAC of .08 or higher - the illegal per se limit for adults age 21 and older in every State in the United States. Ignition interlock devices have been used for more than 25 years as a sanction, typically for DWI offenders. The devices are effective in decreasing a driver\u2019s drinking and driving trips while in use on a vehicle. As of March 2017, 28 States and the District of Columbia require interlocks on the vehicles of all offenders, including first-time offenders. Ignition interlocks, in effect, provide protection for drivers who might otherwise show poor judgment about driving after drinking. They prevent the operation of a vehicle if drivers exceed a set breath alcohol concentration (BrAC) level of alcohol in their system. Parents may be interested in ignition interlocks for their young drivers to prevent driving after drinking any amount of alcohol